Four e-scooter and e-bike fires in 12 hours across Sydney - Sydney
Published: 06 Feb 2025 02:49pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is warning of an alarming spike in lithium-ion battery fires after responding to four separate e-bike and e-scooter fires in Sydney within the past 12 hours.
These four fires bring the total number of battery related fires across the state to 11 since Sunday.
The latest incident occurred at approximately 7.40am today where two men suffered injuries after an explosion and fire involving an e-scooter battery at a house in Sadlier in Sydney's southwest.
Three fire trucks and 12 firefighters responded to a Triple Zero (000) call reporting windows breaking and fire at a property in Yalta Street.
On arrival, firefighters found an e-scooter battery had exploded and caught fire, and two men had sustained injuries - one from flying shrapnel and the other from burns and smoke inhalation.
Crews quickly extinguished the fire and provided emergency medical treatment to the two men until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway. It is believed that an incorrect charger was used to charge the scooter, and the owner had modified the e-scooter.
FRNSW crews also attended three other incidents involving micromobility devices including:
- an e-bike fire at Senior Street, Canley Vale at approximately 4.00am this morning
- an e-scooter fire at Railway Street, Parramatta at approximately 10.00pm last night; and
- an explosion and fire of a home-made battery pack for an e-bike in a unit in Railway Street, Granville, around 9.00pm last night. One neighbour was assessed for smoke inhalation.
FRNSW is reminding the public about the dangers of modifying or repairing e-bikes and e-scooters with many recent incidents involving individuals attempting to build or modify their own micromobility devices using mismatched parts or unapproved chargers.
FRNSW is urging the public to take action and shop, charge and recycle safely to prevent lithium-ion battery fires:
- Never charge in exits or anywhere that would prevent you from escaping in the event of a fire
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Always buy reputable lithium-ion battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Don’t leave devices charging in bedrooms or on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- If lithium-ion batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
Media note: Footage from the e-scooter fire at Parramatta (supplied by NSW Police), and e-scooter fire at Sadlier is available here: https://vimeo.com/1053962032/29d7b15879?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 06 Feb 2025 01:54pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
166 Kent Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
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